TREES FOR LIFE

Through the “Trees for Life” model, farmers are encouraged to plant a combination of fruit, fodder and timber trees on their farmland. Designed to bring tree-based agriculture back to the heart of Indian farming, through this agroforestry model, farmers are guided to choose and plant the right kind of tree sapling. The trees are selected to take care of all issues like crop failure, soil erosion and water inadequacy, thereby creating a self-sustaining movement.

How We Do It

How We Do It

The Problem

Tamil Nadu faces the serious threat of desertification in the coming years. Extreme weather conditions and unsustainable farming methods have depleted ground water tables, eroded topsoil, and curbed the agricultural livelihood of thousands of rural families over the past two decades. With a rise in the price of farm inputs, delayed rainfall, shortage of labor and increased cost of living, the repercussions for an average farmer is far more disastrous than what meets the eye. Most farmers have abandoned traditional, sustainable agriculture and now depend on high-interest loans from banks or money lenders to continue their livelihood.

Solution

Planting trees is the simplest solution to our present day environmental problems.

Under the agroforestry model, farmers are educated about sustainable land use that maintains and increases total yields by combining food crops and tree-based ones. Farmers are also encouraged to plant a combination of fruit, fodder and timber trees in the periphery of their farmland.

Trees bring biodiversity, soil fertility, a cooler climate, cleaner air and increased rainfall. Their yields reduce agricultural expenditure while creating the possibility of future income through small-scale forestry enterprises.

Story of Nanda Kumar

Story of Nanda Kumar

Though I am astrologer by profession, I have always wanted to plant trees in my farmland. But I had no idea where to start or how to do things. This is where Isha stepped in and helped me follow my passion.